Lakeville City

Lakeville City

In 1855, Mr. Brackett began to lay the foundations of a town by causing two hundred and fifty acres of land in sections 29 and 30, to be surveyed and platted by Mr. Turpin. He called the place Lakeville on account of its proximity to a pretty little sheet of water. Soon after, he sold a half interest to Charles F. Crehon. When the town was laid out, it embraced within its limits. Mr. Brackett's house. This, then, became the first house in the village of Lakeville. The news soon spread, and men with an eye to business began to be attracted to the new town. Mr. Connelly first appeared on the scene, and opened a general store with a full line of goods, such as were needed by the inhabitants in those days. His place of business was in G. F. Ackley's old log cabin where he remained for a time, and was then succeeded by Jabez Smith. He also soon after sold out to a young man named Perry, who in turn, sold out to Torrey and Bradbury. We know not the reason why each merchant made his stay in the new village so short, whether, because the business did not prove so successful as he expected, or because the spirit of adventure and gain lured him to fresh fields of endeavor.

In July, 1856, D. C. Johnson and Marshall Sherman opened a store at the same time, keeping a hotel, which was the first one in the village. Joseph Weischelbaum, better known as Joe Wax, and his brother John, now appeared on the scene of action, the former opening a blacksmith's shop, and the latter a carpenter shop. David France also started a blacksmith's shop, and J. France a gun-smith's shop.

In 1857, Martin Dalton opened a saloon, and J. J. Hartig started a shoemaker's shop. In the same year several settlers built houses, and the town in 1858, was in a flourishing condition. At this time there arose a difficulty in obtaining good titles to the lots on account of the decision of Commissioner Hendricks in regard to the claims of the mail contractors. Although, as previously stated, this was finally decided in Mr. Brackett's favor, and the titles were all made good, yet by this time, the business current had changed its direction, and was setting strongly in favor of Farmington, and it was too late for the village of Lakeville to recover its lost strength.

In 1856, M. Lander had erected a boardinghouse, and in 1858, the village boasted two hotels, one built by G. F. Ackley during this year. It stood at the junction of two cross roads, and was afterwards burned.

The village held its own pretty bravely until 1869, when the Hastings and Dakota railroad was completed to Lakeville, and the railroad company began to found a village. Purchasing twenty acres of land with twenty acres given to the company by interested persons, a village was formed in the south-west quarter of section 29, and named Fairfield, which was afterwards changed by act of legislature to Lakeville. People following the march of improvement, began to flock in. The first man to take advantage of the new situation, was B. Ackerman, who erected a frame building 22x30 feet, on block 9, and started a general store and hotel. The next building* was erected by Henry Le Due, nearly opposite Ackerman as a general store, while the upper part was used as a dwelling-house. He also erected the first wheat elevator in this part of the county. The village now began to flourish,and most of the business men of the old village seeing in what direction the tide was setting, began to move with it. This with the other causes mentioned occasioned the decay of the old village. At the present time nothing remains to indicate the former presence of any business settlement in the vicinity of Brackett's farm. G. F. Ackley moved next year to the new village and erected a frame building, which he used as a general store. The same year David France moved his blacksmith's shop thither, and was followed by Mr. Weischelbaum, who opened a saloon, and the old village became truly a " deserted village."

A platform four by sixty feet, erected by the railroad company, hud served as depot until 1870, when they removed the depot from Dahlgren to Lakeville. The Northwestern Telegraph Company have also an office there. The station is still known as Fairfield, although the railroad company have frequently been asked to abolish the name, as there are already two of the same name in the state. Lakeville has but one business street, extending north and south, called Main street. Entering from the south, the first building on the east side of the street is a blacksmith's shop, established in 1877, by J. Ernster. A carriage and wagon manufactory established in 1875 by William Gardt adjoins this. The next building is owned and occupied by B. Ackerman as a general store and hotel. He keeps a full line of dry goods, groceries, glassware, etc. The hotel has twelve furnished rooms. George Keher established, in 1880, a full line of pictures, jewelry, etc., in the next frame building. All kinds of boots and shoes are made by James Hartig in the adjoining frame building, where he established business in 1870. The next building is occupied by McClintopk and Moran as a general store where they display the finest assortment in town, of dry goods, boots, shoes, groceries, hats, caps etc. The post-office is also located in this building. The next building is a large frame two- story house, eighteen by thirty feet front, with an addition twenty-two by fifty. This is known as the North-western hotel, owned by T. CTLeary, and situated on block 13. It has easy access to the railroad, and can accommodate forty-two guests. This hotel was erected in 1871, has eleven sleeping-rooms on the second floor and six rooms on the first floor. In 1873, P. Hofforth established a saloon, and in 1877, James Coughlin opened the same business. Donovan and Lenihan are an enterprising firm with a good line of general merchandise. Kinnery and Niskern established in May, 1880, a general line of hardware in a frame building. B. J. Penschal keeps a meatmarket. Crossing the street we find at the north end of the town, on the west side, Henry Shen, butcher, established in 1876. G. F. Ackley bought out D. C. Johnson in 1881, and keeps a very fine assortment of all kinds of hardware. Mr. Ackley has long been identified with the business interests of the place, having been formerly engaged in business in the old village of Lakeville. Perkins, Balch and Company own the next frame building, which is used by them as a wheat exchange, their elevator standing a short distance further back and close by the Lakeville flour-mill. Next stands the railroad depot, and next to this a frame building owned by G. F. Ackley, formerly occupied by him as a store for general merchandise. F. Souber opened in 1878 an establishment for making and repairing boots and shoes. The next frame building is occupied by J. W. Wheeler as a harness-shop.

Manufacturing Interests

Prominent among the business interests of Lakeville, stand Perkins, Balch and Company's elevator and the Lakeville flour mills. The elevator was built in 1871, near the railroad, before the name of the village was changed from Fairfield to Lakeville. It is a frame building 20x50 feet, with fourteen-foot posts. In 1875, an addition of twenty feet was annexed, and in 1877, another of thirty feet was added to the west end. The elevator now extends east and west 20x100 feet, and north and south 20x24. The latter portion is raised two stories in order that the machinery may distribute the wheat to different parts of the building. On the first floor are two Fairbank scales, and a storage capacity of 27,000 bushels. In the main building, upon the second floor, are fourteen shipping bins, with a capacity of four hundred bushels each, and one large storage bin, capacity, twelve hundred bushels. In the addition are two storage bins, with a capacity of fifteen hundred bushels each; two hopper bins of eight hundred bushels each. The grain runs from these to the separator, over which they are placed, and thence to a large bin in the basement, when it is raised by the elevator to the shipping bins, ready for shipment. This elevator extends from the bottom to the top of the building, whence the grain is distributed to the different bins by means of flues. This firm have handled in a year as many as two hundred thousand bushels of wheat, purchased from the surrounding farmers and shipped to all parts of the country. The engine which runs the elevator is six^horse-power, with an eight horse-power boiler of Andrew Warsop's make, and is in a small addition 12x20 feet. There is also in connection with the elevator a storage house of five thousand bushels capacity.

In 1872, J. H. Smiley erected a dwelling house and carpenter shop 18x30 feet, which in 1875, he converted into a feed-mill, with a carpenter shop in connection with it. In 1880, he took a partner, and the firm is now known as Smiley and Sisson. They at once commenced an addition to the old building 22x28 feet, and an engine-house 16x28 feet. The old building is one and a half stories high, with twelve-foot posts, the new building is two stories with twenty-four-foot posts. The basement of the old building is used for a storeroom, with a capacity of from six to eight thousand bushels. The basement of the new building has one smutter with a capacity of fifteen bushels per hour, the rest of the room being occupied by machinery and shafting. The first floor of the old building has one run of stone, twenty-inch feed; the new building has two run of stone four feet each, and one separator with a capacity of fifteen bushels per hour. The second floor has one bolting-machine, which can bolt sixteen bushels per hour, one purifier, twenty feet long, capacity sixteen bushels per hour, and one cockle separator, which can separate twenty bushels per hour. The engine is a very fine one of fifty-two horse-power, of E. P. Allis* make, Reynolds' patent. The boiler is fifty-four

Incorporation

A petition was sent to the legislature for the incorporation of the village of Lakeville. The bill was passed March 28th. 1878, and includes all of the south-east quarter of section 29. The following officers were then elected: Irenus Perkins, president; G. F. Ackley, S. M. Wright, and T. O'Leary, trustees; E. Morgan, clerk; B. Ackerman, treasurer; D. C. Johnson, justice; George Kehrer, constable. The present officers of the village are: S. M. Wright, president; William Gardt, T. O'Leary and N. Sisson, trustees; P. Day, clerk; B. Ackerman, treasurer; D. C. Johnson, justice; G. Kehrer constable. The town has planted all the streets on both sides with young maples, which in a few years will reward their efforts by their shade and beauty. This enterprise, as well as nearly every step towards the improvement and benefit of the town, was inaugurated by Mr. Perkins.

On the 7th of May, 1881, about four o'clock in the afternoon, a violent storm of hail and rain, accompanied with clouds of dust, swept suddenly through the village of Lakeville. It came from the south-west and confined itself to a track of less than a quarter of a mile in width. It struck first the large two-story frame building formerly used as a general store, and known as the old hardware building. This was used used by J. C. Curry and the St. Paul Harvester works, as a storehouse for machinery and carriages, but was old and consequently became an easy prey to the fury of the storm. Sweeping on to the north the hurricane smashed in the front of the store occupied by G. F. Ackley, moving it a little from its foundation, then crossed the street and struck the window of the store of P. Donovan and Company, doing also other damage to roofs and outhouses. The destruction of St. Joseph's church has been previously mentioned. An eye-witness relates that it seemed the work of a moment, and before one could realize the violence of the tornado, its work of destruction was accomplished.

Biographical

G. F. Ackley was born in Jefferson county, New York, in 1823. When thirteen years of age he learned the tailor's trade, continuing seven years after the completion of his trade. In 1850 he went to California and three years later returned to his native state. He opened a dry goods store, in which he continued until 1855, then sold and came west to Lakeville, Minnesota. He owned a farm of 240 acres for three years, then sold and invested in a hotel and store. For eight years he carried on these enterprises then sold and came to where Lakeville now is. Since his removal he has been in the mercantile business, is also town treasurer. Mr. Ackley has been twice married and is now a widower, having four children.

Daniel F. Akin was born in New York, in 1828. He received rare educational advantages, having completed his education by a course of two years at the academy and three years at Yale college, graduating from that institution of learning in 1851. He went to Virginia in 1853, and was there employed on the railroad about three years. Coming to St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1856, he finally located at Lakeville, which place has since been his home. In 1855 he married Miss Elizabeth Forte. Five children have been born to them, three of whom are still living.

F. K. Balch was born in New Hampshire, in 1847. He came with his parents to St. Anthony, Minnesota, in 1855, and on reaching the age of twenty years, was given his time by his father. Three years he gave his attention to lumbering, then to agricultural pursuits; afterwards worked at railroad grading for different parties until locating at Lakeville, Dakota county, in 1875. Purchasing a one-half interest in the elevator with Mr. Perkins, he has since continued in that business. In 1880, he and Miss Etta M. Perkins were united in marriage.

John Battin was born in Ohio in 1809. When quite young, he went to Indiana with his parents. On leaving home,he was employed by the farmers until reaching the age of twenty-four years. He then went to Illinois, and four years later to Indiana; in 1853, came to Minnesota and purchased 160 acres in Scott county. In 1861, he sold his property and came to Lakeville, Dakota county, having since made this place his home. Married

Alfred C. Bean was born In West Newton, Massachusetts, in 1836. During the time he was at his father's home, he worked two years at the machinists 1 trade, and in 1856, came to St. Paul, Minnesota, thence to Lakeville, Dakota county, and made a claim of 160 acres. This farm he sold in 1865, and went to Colorado. After a visit of three years' duration, he returned to Faribault, Minnesota. Here he purchased one-half interest in the Polar Star flouring mill, which was destroyed by fire in 1877. Subsequently, he moved on his present farm, which he had secured in 1856. Married in 1874 to Miss Ada Newton, who has borne him one child, Georgia M.

M. Berres, a native of Germany, was born in 1821. After reaching man's estate he came to America, proceeding from Quebec to Buffalo, New York, thence to Washington county, Wisconsin. Here he engaged in agricultural pursuits eleven years. Coming to Lakeville, Dakota county, Minnesota, he purchased a farm on which he lived about seven years, then bought property in the village where he now lives. His wife was Miss Elizabeth Hammes, married in 1852. They have nine children living.

Casper Berres was born in Germany, in 1844. The family came to Quebec, thence to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Casper lived at his parental home until after attaining majority, then came to Minnesota. In 1873, he came to Lakeville, and purchased a farm on which he still lives. His marriage with Miss Margaret Barton, took place in 1873. Mathias, Elizabeth, Jacob, Nicholas and Josephine are their offspring.

John Berres was born in Wisconsin, in 1853. When a lad of twelve years he moved with his parents to Owatonna, Minnesota, and soon after to Lakeville. After attaining man's estate he purchased a farm from his father, and has sin:e continued in agricultural pursuits. In 1876, he was married to Miss Mary Simons. Mary E., Catherine and Lena are their children.

Thomas Berres was born in Prussia, in 1832. Coming to this continent, he landed at Quebec, in 1847, thence to Port Washington, Wis., and bought eighty acres of land. In 1871, he came to Minnesota, and has since resided at Lakeville, having a farm of one hundred and ninety acres. Married January 31, 1856, A. Bendel. Elizabeth, Jacob, Michael and Catherine are their children.

Joseph J. Brackett was born in Livingston, York county, Maine, February 8th, 1814. He was reared as a farmer, and when reaching majority removed to Westbrook, Cumberland county, where he followed farming until 1847. He came to Minnesota in 1852, and remained one year at St. Paul; while there built and put in operation the first mill for shaving shingles in the state. In 1853, came to Lakeville, and took a claim of three hundred and twenty acres, for a townsite at Prairie Lake, and still owns two hundred and seventy acres of it. Married in 1840 to Miss Ann M. Fluent of Westbrook, Maine,

John Brennan, a native of Ireland, was born in 1826. When nineteen years old, he came across to Canada, thence to Lewiston, New York, where he made his home five years. He then came to Lakeville, Dakota county, and made a claim of 160 acres, where he still lives. He holds the office of town supervisor and clerk of school district No. 45. Married in 1851, to Miss Bridget Sheridan: Nine children have been born to them, seven of whom are living.

Nicholas Brost was born in Prussia, in 1822. Coming to America in 1843, he went to Milwaukee, and soon after located in Sheboygan on a farm of 140 acres. There he lived nineteen years, then sold, and, on coming westward, invested in 200 acres of land in Lakeville, where he has since resided. Married in 1847, to Miss V. Ackermann, who has borne him twelve children. The living are: Mary, John, Baltes, Josephine, Charles, Peter, Lena and Catherine.

Patrick Casey was born in Ireland in 1821, and remained in his native place until 1849. Came to America, and passed two years in New Jersey, two years in Rhode Island, three years in Wisconsin, one year in Chicago, Illinois, then located at Lakeville, Dakota county, Minnesota. He now resides on his farm, which he took at that time as a claim. Married, in 1851, to Miss Ann Managan. They have had nine children, eight still live. Mary Ann, their oldest daughter, was the first w r hite child born in the town.

Isaac Coburn, a native of Ireland, was born in 1830. When fifteen years of age, he embarked for America, and landed at Philadelphia. The following year, came westward to St. Paul, Min- nesota. He pursued agriculture in Lebanon township four years, and. in 1862, enlisted in Company F, Second Minnesota Volunteers; served two years and ten months. Returning to civil life, he bought a farm of 160 acres in Lakeville township, on which he still lives. His marriage with Miss A nn Finnegan occurred in 1868. They are the parents of one child.

Isaac C. Curry was born in Ohio in 1830. When ten years old, he removed to Indiana with his parents, and lived with them on the farm until 1855, then came to Minnesota, locating at Lakeville. Here he made a claim, and two years subsequently welcomed his parents to his new home. Married, January 24th, 1858, to Ann £. Sayers, who has borne him three children, two of whom are living. In 1869 they went to Missouri, and remained one year in consequence of the declining health of Mrs. Curry.

James Dawson, whose native land is Ireland, was born in 1823. His youthful days were passed in the country of his nativity. In 1851 he crossed the waters to America, and from New York went to Cincinnati, Ohio, making that city his home for one and one-half years. Coming at that time to Minnesota, he located at Lakeville on a farm. Having added to his original estate by purchase, he now has 240 acres. Joanna Mc- Mullen became his wife in 1854. They have seven children living.

Preston Day was born in Carroll county. Illinois, in 1854. Having nearly attained his majority, he began for himself, and the first season worked his rather 's farm on shares. With the proceeds he acquired a knowledge of telegraphy, then removed to Independence, Wisconsin, where he was employed as telegraph operator three months. Until 1879 he engaged in the pursuit of his art in different places, and at that time located at Lakeville, having since been operator at this place. His wife was Miss Amanda Morgan, whom he married March 10th, 1880. They have one child.

John Devitt, a native of Ireland was born in 1826. About the year 1852, he came to this continent, and for five years worked in Littleton, Massachusetts. He then came to Minnesota and made his home in St. Paul about seven years; thence to Washington county, where he engaged in agriculture until 1877. Disposing of his estate he came to Lakeville, and has since lived on his farm. Married Margaret Connell in 1858. She has borne him eleven children; eight are living.

Horace Donaldson is a native of this state, and of Lakeville; he was born in 1859. His childhood was passed under his parents' care, and when nineteen years of age he rented his father's farm, which he carried on successfully four seasons. His home is still on the farm, while he is now engaged in the sale of agricultural implements.

P. Donovan was born in County Cork, Ireland, March 23d, 1827. Came to America in 1853, landing at New York city. Soon after he went to Sussefc county, New Jersey, remaining three years, thence in 1856 to St. Paul, which place was his home one year. Came to Lakeville at that time and followed farming until 1877, then engaged in the mercantile trade at Lakeville.

Thomas Dwyer, a native of Ireland, was born in 1836. His childhood days were passed in his native country and when seventeen years of age came to America. He remained three years in Maryland, four years in Virginia, one year in Kentucky, two years in Pennsylvania and four years in Tennessee, then removed to Lakeville and purchased his present farm, which comprises 160 acres. Miss Margaret Herwood became his wife in 1852. She died February 7th, 1874, leaving eight children: James, Mary, Bridget, Patrick, Michael, John, Margaret and Thomas.

John Finnegan was born in Ireland in 1815. He was reared to manhood in his native country, and about 1843 came across the waters to America. He made his home in Rhode Island five years, employed as a stone-mason. Subsequently he removed to Southport, Wisconsin, thence to Chicago, remaining four years. Coming farther west to the capital city of the u North Star" state, he tarried only a brief time, then made a claim in Lakeville township. This he tilled until 1874, then sold and purchased his present home. Married in 1841, to Bridget Finnegan, who has borne him twelve children, ten are now living.

Edward Fitzgerald, a native of Ireland, born in 1824. Came to America, landing in New York in 1849. Remaining in that state one year, thence to Clark county, Ohio, and rented land on which he lived fourteen years. In 1856, came to Lakeville and purchased 126 acres, on which he has since resided. Mr. Fitzgerald is treasurer of school dis-

John Hyland was born -in Ireland, in 1826. He was reared to manhood in his native land, and when twenty-five years of age came to America, New York being the first city he visited. He remained in New York two years, then came west to Minnesota and made a claim of one hundred and sixty acres in Lakeville, which is still his home. His farm now comprises two hundred and eighty acres. Married in 1856, to Miss Mary Varley. They have four children living.

Thomas Hyland, born in 1827, is a native of Ireland. In 1848, he came to America. For eight years his home was on a farm at Saratoga. Having disposed of his estate, he came to St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1855. The same year, he located in Lakeville on a claim. He afterward bought eighty acres in Rosemount, one hundred and twenty acres in Vermillion, forty acres adjoining the homestead, one hundred and sixty acres in Lakeville, one hundred and thirty acres in Lebanon, three hundred and twenty acres in Traverse county, and one hundred and sixty acres in Empire. Having since sold two hundred acres, he now owns nine hundred and seventy acres. Miss Mary Mahony became his wife in 1854. They have five children living.

D. C. Johnson was born in Ohio, in 1816. He was early thrown upon his own responsibility in consequence of his father's death. When twelve years old, he began working for a farmer for the small sum of $6 per month. In 1852, he went to Pennsylvania, remaining two years in the match-making business. Started a hotel in St. Paul, in 1854; two years later came to Lakeville and purchased a block in the old townsite, then erected a store and hotel. From 1870, till 1880, he engaged in farming, then opened a hardware store in Lakeville. Mr. Johnson is justice of the peace. Has been twice married; his present wife was Harriet Cleveland, married in 1862.

Henry T. Johnson was born in Connecticut, in 1839. After reaching man's estate, he came to Lakeville and invested in a farm of one hundred and sixty acres. He and his brother afterward traded the old homestead for their present place, which comprises two hundred and forty acres. In 1864, he enlisted in Company D, Eleventh

William Kean was born in Ireland in 1814. When eleven years of age, he went to England, making his home in that country until 1850. For eleven years, he served on the police force. In 1850, he came to America. Was employed as a weaver in a cotton factory at Fall River, Massachusetts, for two years. He then went to New York, rented a cotton factory, and employed 500 hands. In 1855, he removed to Lakeville, and entered the claim where he still lives. Married in 1832, to Mary A. Inglesby, who died January 4th, 1880. There is one child living.

Daniel Keegan, a native of Ireland, was born in 1818. Attended school during his younger days in his native country. Came to America, accompanied by his father and six brothers, arriving at New Brunswick, August lHth, 1846. Soon after, he went to Pennsylvania, thence to New York city, where he was married to Miss Catherine Dalay in 1848. He afterward traveled through the western states, and in 1854, came to Minnesota. Made a claim in Rosemount; he lived on it until 1859, then purchased his present farm in Lakeville township.. His farm now comprises 200 acres. Michael, Bernard, Daniel, John, Ann and Katie are their children.

Timothy Kelly, born in 1808, is a native of Ireland. Here his life was passed until -coming to America in 1&48. In 1840, he married Miss Sarah McNally, who accompanied him to this continent. Remaining a brief time in St. Louis, he then proceeded to Illinois, where he lived seven years. Came thence to St. Paul, Minnesota; finally located at Lakeville on his farm. Mary, Sarah, Catherine, James, Jane, Ellen and Nettie are the surviving children.

M. J. Lenihan was born in Lakeville, Dakota county, Minnesota, in 1857. He attended the Lakeville schools, and completed his studies at St. Paul college. He then worked for a notion house of St. Paul one year, then worked in a general merchandise store at Benson, Swift county, nine months. His home is now in his native place, he having purchased one-half interest with Mr. Donovan in the mercantile business. Mc Lenihan s father was born in Ireland in 1812. his mother in 1826. The latter died in May, 1880.

John Loftus was born in Ireland in 1832. Came to America in 1854, landing in New York, and remained in the state two years, thence to St. Paul and soon after to Lakeville. He made a claim of 160 acres. Returning to St. Paul, he remained four years, but since then has resided on his farm. Married in 1862 to Mary McCue. They have seven children living.

Jerome Maher was born in County Carlow, Ireland, in 1848, and is of pure Irish descent. Received his early education in the national schools and later, in the college in his native county. Came to America in 1874, and in order to become better acquainted with the customs of the American people he attended Bryant and Stratton's college for one year. He was afterward connected with the American express office three years. Came to Minnesota in 1878, and began teaching school in Dakota county, also began the study of medicine with Doctor Brundage of Lakeville. Attended the Rush Medical college during the winter of 1879-80, and expects to graduate in 1882. He is one of a family of thirteen children, having two brothers who are Catholic priests.

Margaret Moran was born in Ireland, April 28th, 1810. She came to Canada in 1827, and four years later went to Oswego, New York, thence to Tompkins county, where she met and married Mr. Moran, August 6th, 1832. They then removed to Pennsylvania, remaining three years, afterward bought a farm in Illinois, on which they lived until 1855. Coming to Lakeville, they made a claim of one hundred and sixty acres, where his widow and family still live. Mr. Moran died January 16th, 1879, at the advanced age of seventy-nine years. Of their twelve children, eight are Jiving.

Ralph E. Morris is a native of the Empire state, born in 1844. After attaining majority he spent three years in travel, then came to Hastings, and on to Lakeville. He has been somewhat interested in real estate, having bought and sold considerable land at different times. He now resides on a farm at Lakeville.

Dennis Moylan is a native of Ireland, born in 1826. Came to America when eighteen years of age, and made his home in Massachusetts two years, then spent one year in Troy, New York, and three years in Washington. Coming west he lived three years in St. Anthony, Minnesota, then purchased a farm in Scott county, on which he resided fourteen years. Subsequently he sold and located in Lakeville on a farm. Married Miss Alice Grady in 1858, who has borne him nine children; the living number eight.

John Murphy, born in 1820, is a native of Ireland. Came to this continent in 1849. Until 1855 his time was chiefly passed in Illinois, then for three years, in Iowa. In 1858, came to Lakeville and made a claim, on which he still resides. His wife was Miss Mary Burns, whom he married in 1855. Margaret and John are their children.

James Myers was born in Ireland, in 1831. When a lad of fourten years became to America; lived one year in Massachusetts, six years in Utica, New York, six years in Chicago, thence to Lakeville in 1857. During the time, he learned wagon-making, and is now located on his farm of one hundred and sixty acres. Mr. Myers is chairman of the town board and clerk of school district number 102. Married in 1856 to Mary A. Byrnes. They are the parents of seven children.

Timothy O'Leary, a native of the Emerald Isle, was born in 1839. His father died when he was only ten years old, compelling him at an early age to earn his own livelihood. In 1861 he landed in America and for some time made his home in New Hampshire, from which state he enlisted, in 1862, in Company H, Twelfth Regiment New Hampshire Volunteers; was actively engaged in the battles of Fredericksburg,Chancelorsville, Gettysburg, Cold Harbor, Petersburg and capture of Richmond; was discharged from service June 21st, 1865. After returning to civil life he came to Hastings, Minnesota, thence to Faribault, remaining four years, and in 1869, located at Lakeville. Two years subsequently he purchased lots and constructed a hotel, in which he still remains. Has been section boss on the Hastings and Dakota railway eleven years; is at present alderman in Lakeville and school director of district number 100. Married Mary F. Murphy in 1865. They have seven children.

Bridget O'Connell, born in 1816, is a native of Ireland. In 1847, came to this continent and for two years her home was at Lowell, Massachusetts. From that city she removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, where she met and was united in marriage with John O'Connell. After spending one year in Maryland and a few months in Kentucky, they purchased a farm of one hundred acres in West Virginia, on which they lived sixteen years. In 1870 they disposed of their property and came to Minnesota and lived in Lakeville until Mr. O'ConnelTsdeath, which happened February 11th, 1878. He leaves his widow with seven children.

Irenus Perkins was born in New Hampshire in 1817. On attaining majority, he purchased a farm, which he carried on until 1847, then embarked in the mercantile trade, continuing six years. Disposing of his interests, he came to Minneapolis, Minnesota, and in company with three associates, erected a saw-mill, run it two years, then came to Lakeville. He engaged in farming until 1877, and in 1874, built an elevator at Lakeville. Is county commissioner of the Fifth district. Mr. Perkins has been twice married, to his present wife in 1847. He has six children - two by first wife and four by present one.

S. A. Perkins was born in Massachusetts in 1831. At the age of eighteen years, he apprenticed to the carpenters 1 trade, and served three years. Engaged chiefly in the pursuit of his trade until 1868, then came to Dakota county, Minnesota, and pursued agriculture three years. Moving at that time to Lakeville, he has since made the township his home. Married in 1852, to Miss Lucina Dole, who has borne him four children.

Thomas Quinn, a native of Ireland, was born in 1834. His father died in 1844. When at the age of eighteen, he and his mother came to America, and for five years made his home in Maryland. He then came to Eagan, Dakota county, Minnesota, and made a claim, on which he lived fifteen years. In 1880, settled in Lakeville, where he still lives. Married in 1860, to Miss Rosa Rone. They have ten children living.

Michael Rowan was born in Ireland in 1839. Accompanied the family to America in 1847 and remained in New York two years. Going thence to Illinois, he made it his home two and one-half years, then came to Minnesota, and after staying one winter in St. Paul, removed to Lakeville. He still lives on his claim of 160 acres. Married in 1862, to Miss Sarah Nelas. Thomas, Mary, Ellen, John, Dominick, Edward, Kate, Maggie and Michael are their children.

came across the waters to America and lived in New York two years, then came to St. Paul, where she met, and was united in married with Mr. Shaughnessy. Remaining in the capital city one and one-half years, they then came to Lakeville, and in 1856, made a claim of one hundred and sixty acres. Her husband died December 18th, 1879. She has nine children living.

Nicholas Simons, whose native state is Ohio, was born in 1854. His childhood was passed under the care and guidance of his parents. When fourteen years old, he accompanied them to Rice county, Minnesota. His father purchased a farm on which he lived with his family eight years. At that time he removed to Lakeville and invested in a farm, where he still lives. His wife was Margaret Berres, married in 1876: Elizabeth, Catherine and Anna, are their children.

E. C. Smith was born in Litchfield, Connecticut, in 1807. His home was with his parents until man's estate was attained, during which time he received a good education, being fitted for a teacher. After teaching district schools a few terms, he studied medicine, also attended Yale college four years. He practiced medicine a short time, then went to Kentucky, remained two and one-half years, engaged principally in teaching. Going thence to Indiana, he was a practitioner, teacher and farmer for twelve years. In 1857, he came to St. Paul, Minnesota, and the year following, to Lakeville where he has since given his attention to agriculture. Mr. Smith has been twice married. His present wife was Elizabeth Osborn. They have two children.

Joel E. Turney was born in Henry county, Iowa, in 1847. On reaching the age of twentyone years, he rented a farm which he cultivated until 1872. He enlisted in 1864, in Company E, Forty-fifth Regiment Iowa Infantry, and served five months. In 1878, he entered three hundred and twenty acres in Dakota, which he now owns. Mary J. Donaldson became his wife in 1879. They have one child.

W. H. Watson was born in York county, Maine, in 1824. Here he lived until eighteen years of age. Served two years as an apprentice at the blacksmith's trade, and in 1846, went to Lowell, Massachusetts, remaining two years in the Merrimac repair shops. He then went to Maine and remained until 1856, coming thence to Lakeville.

He now has a farm of one hundred and sixty acres. Was drafted during the war but furnished a substitute, which cost him $600. Married in 1850, Miss M. S. Thompson. They are the parents of two living children.

Wells L. Wescott was born in Maine in 1826. He learned the shoemaker's trade at the age of sixteen years and continued in it until 1855. Came to St. Paul at that time, thence to Eagan, Dakota county, and erected a hotel, which he run five years. He then purchased eighty acres in Lakeville, where he has since lived. He is school director of district No. 42. Married in 1849 to Miss Amanda Hale, who has borne him six children, five of whom are living.

J. W. Wheeler was born in Indiana, in 1858. He accompanied the family to Le Sueur county, Minnesota, when only two years old. Eight years subsequently they removed to Hastings, remaining two years, thence to Red Wing for three and a half years. During this time Mr. Wheeler learned the harness-making trade. After roaming about for four years, he finally located in Lakeville as a harness-maker. Married in 1877 to Lena Aby, who has borne him two children: Susie and William.

Patrick White was born in Ireland in 1816. Passed his days at the old home until 1848, then came to America and worked in New York until 1857. He came at that time to Jfew Market, Scott county, Minnesota, and bought a farm, on which he lived as a tiller of the soil about twenty years. He then sold his farm and purchased three houses and two and a half acres of land, where he now lives. Married in 1847 to Anna E. Lyons.

S. M. Wright was born in Grafton county, New Hampshire, 1839. Here he received his education, and in 1862 was elected register of deeds of that county. Was messenger to the sergeant-atarms of the United States senate in 1866-7; weigher in the New York custom house in 1868- 70, and inspector of customs of New York from 1870 to 1877. During that year he removed to Lakeville and engaged in the elevator business. Although Mr. Wright is a comparatively recent arrival among the citizens of Lakeville, he has, by his attention to business, and strict integrity, won the confidence and esteem of all who know him.